It is also distinct from the TN visa and associated status for residents of Canada and Mexico, which is associated with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Even for I-129 applicants, however, once the worker leaves the US to travel abroad, he/she must return home (Singapore or Chile) to a U.S. consulate for a new H-class visa stamp to re-enter the US.
Specifically, although the normal minimum requirement for an H-1B is a specialized bachelor's degree, the trade agreements with Chile and Singapore permit alternate credentials in certain professions:[4] As with the H-1B visa, it is necessary that there be a clear employer-employee relationship between the petitioning employer and the applicant.
Those who achieve the H-1B1 classification through a change of status via Form I-129 do not need to demonstrate non-immigrant intent - until they travel outside the U.S., after which they must return to their home country and apply for a H-class visa to re-enter the U.S.
Admission on a H-1B1 visa is for 18 months[citation needed], but the status can be renewed in yearly increments.
However, even as late as Fiscal Years 2011-2013 (by which time most H-1B visa approvals would correspond to classifications made after the introduction of the H-1B1):